Marcus Sasser declares for 2023 NBA Draft

Houston Cougars guard Marcus Sasser has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, he announced via Instagram on Thursday. A consensus first-team All-American this past season, Sasser has a chance to be a first-round pick this upcoming summer.

In a year where experienced players dominated college basketball, Sasser was one of the best. He averaged just a tick under 17 points per game and was vital to Houston consistently being one of the top teams in the country.

Sasser was supposed to play a huge role in Houston’s run in the NCAA Tournament, hoping to make a hometown Final Four appearance. He was able to perform well but did play through a groin injury. Of the three games the Cougars played, Sasser was in double-figures twice.

In an ESPN mock draft from around Christmas time, Sasser was projected to be the first pick in the second round. This year’s draft, at least near the top, will be dominated by G-League or Overtime Elite guys. Sasser is viewed as a top college guy and has proved so during his years with Houston.

More on the 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. Round 1 of the draft will be announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to handle the second round of picks.

To be eligible for the NBA Draft, players must be at least 19 years in age during the calendar year that the draft is held and at least one NBA season from their high school graduation date, or the date that would have been if they are not graduated. It is not required that player spend that one year playing college basketball, though. Players can play in either college, abroad, or the G League Ignite if they choose so.

While this is a significant change from what the rules once were, players are eligible to enter their names into the NBA Draft pool and explore their options by hiring an agent to go through the process, while still keeping their college eligibility. The deadline to make that move is on April 23 beginning at 11:59 p.m. ET. Players have until June 12 at 5 p.m. ET to withdraw their name from the pool and return to college.

The NBA Draft Lottery will be held on May 16, which is also the start of the NBA Conference Finals.